Wexford bridge alert teens risking lives says Marinewatch

Youngsters are risking their lives crawling along a narrow ledge under Wexford Bridge.

WEXFORD MarineWatch says young teenagers are risking their lives and those of potential rescuers by crawling along a narrow 16" ledge under Wexford Bridge.

The practice would appear to be a series of dares carried out by competing teens out to test their mettle against those of their of their peers.

'We are absolutely horrified to see young people putting their lives at extreme risk over the last two days by attempting to crawl along a narrow 16" wide steel ledge under Wexford Bridge in a ridiculous attempt to get to the other side. Gardai have been notified on each occasion,' said Frank Flanagan, from Wexford MarineWatch.

He said MarineWatch volunteers had seen children crawling along the lodge at last light on Sunday and Monday nights.

'We are in the process of speaking with school principals on the matter and currently liaising with both the council and the gardai,' said Mr Flanagan. 'These teenagers appear oblivious to the strong currents in the River Slaney and how quickly they could get washed away should they fall.'

'They are not only putting yourself at risk, but also the lives of those who will be called to save them when it all goes wrong. And for what reason?' Mr Flanagan urged anyone 'engaging in this highly dangerous act' notify the gardai immediately.